JOHOR BARU, Feb 27 — Bukit Aman’s Narcotics Criminal Investigations Department (NCID) has set its sights on low-level drug pushers in the war on drugs nationwide.

The federal police’s NCID will work together with state NCIDs and also National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) to curb the demand for drugs.

Bukit Aman Special Tactical Intelligence Narcotics Group deputy director (technical intelligence analysis) Senior Assistant Commissioner Baharom Othman said efforts will be made to flush out addicts and street pushers from their hideouts.

"This has been an ongoing operation nationwide by police and also AADK since 2015, as part of our enforcement duties,” he said at the Johor police contingent headquarters after an operation to nab drug pushers and addicts in two locations here today.

During the operation, dubbed Ops Sarang, a total of 16 officers and 68 personnel from Bukit Aman, the Johor police and also state AADK were involved the 12-hour operation that started at 4am today..

‘Drug ports’ or hideouts in Kampung Melayu Pandan, Kampung Ubi in Johor Baru and another area in Seri Alam were targeted.

In the operation, Baharom said a total of 142 people were detained for drug screening.

"Initial urine tests saw a total of 105 suspects, including two women, positive for heroin and syabu (crystal methamphetamine) abuse.

"The Johor AADK will follow-up with investigations under Section 3(1) of the Drug Addiction Act 1983 amendment 1998 for drug abuse, while police will investigate three cases of drug possession under Section 12(2) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952,” he said.

Baharom, who was previously a STING senior commander, said Johor Baru and its surrounding districts were like most major cities nationwide, with similar trends relating to drug abuse.

He said the current trend for addicts and street pushers was to gather in smaller groups for short periods to avoid detection.

"This trend has been going on for the past four to five years. Previously, drug addicts would gather in secluded areas near plantations for the whole day,” he said.